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Forget the bad rep from all those rental scooters that litter the sidewalk in your city—electric scooters are a great way to get around. The best electric scooters are fast and more affordable than almost any electric bike, and you’ll cut down on your gas spending as you drive less. In other words, you can save the planet and your wallet all at once. Plus, they’re super fun to ride as you zip around town.

An electric scooter provides affordable and fun transportation around town.

Electric scooters might all seem to look more or less the same at first glance, but under the hood, their specifications can vary quite a bit, so which one is best for you depends in large part on where and how often you ride. Some can take you dozens of miles on a single charge, while others lean into performance-based features like multiple speeds. The best electric scooters offer a decent range so you don’t get stuck stranded, powerful brakes so you can stop in a snap and integrated lighting or reflectors so you stay safe in the dark. Here are our top picks.

Top speed: 25 mph| Range: 28 miles | Weight: 39 pounds | Max load: 265 pounds 

A do-it-all scooter for your joy rides and commutes, the Apollo City is a solid option for anyone looking for a high-quality electric scooter for any road condition. You can rock around town at 25 mph and break with ease, thanks to the triple-braking system. You’ll feel comfortable navigating potholes, thanks to its cushy front and rear spring suspension. And while 39 pounds doesn’t exactly sound light, it’s lighter and easier to maneuver than models with a similar range and speed capabilities. 

When you need to load it into the subway or carry it up the stairs, the Apollo City folds down into a compact package. If you still have your doubts, it also comes with a 14-day return policy, free shipping and a one-year warranty on any manufacturing defects.

Top speed: 15.5 mph | Range: 15.5 miles | Weight: 34.2 pounds | Max load: 220 pounds

This retro-inspiring scooter is eye-catching with a maple wood deck and soft, matte colors like aquamarine and rose—perfect for riders who want to prioritize style. But it’s more than a pretty face, this scooter is incredibly capable for its price point. With impressive hill climbing capabilities, you can tackle 14% grades in the neighborhoods of San Francisco or Seattle. The innovative FlexxPress design suspends the deck above the frame so it absorbs shock as you roll over rocks or bumps. 

Beginners riders will love the user-friendly design: the single-button interface is simple with an LED display and three speeds. The YES Scooter is also equipped with five safety lights, including a round headlight and deck lights so you can ride at night. 

Top speed: 20 mph | Range: 15.5 miles | Weight: 26.5 pounds | Max load: 275 pounds

We love the Unagi Model One because it is sleek and well-crafted with an obvious attention to detail, from the flush LED display in the handlebars to the air pockets in the 7.5” tires for shock absorption. With a carbon fiber tube, magnesium handlebars and an aluminum chassis, all the components are lightweight. This electric scooter clocks in at only 26.5 pounds compared to the 30+ pound weight of other models on this list, so it’s a great choice if you plan to carry it up a flight or more of stairs.

The E500 features a 500W battery so you can ride up 15-degree slopes with ease and dual electronic anti-lock brakes to stop quickly and safely. Overall, we’re impressed that Unagi manages to pack so much in to such a light package. 

Top speed: 15.5 mph | Range: 18 miles | Weight: 36.3 pounds | Max load: 220 pounds 

This budget friendly electric scooter offers most of the capabilities as other models at a lower price point. What’s best? With a price tag under $500, this scooter will pay for itself after the first few months after you stop spending your entire paycheck to fill your gas tank. 

With a wide deck for added stability and cruise control for easy riding, this e-scooter is very beginner friendly. It comes equipped with a headlight, taillight and a built in cable lock so you have everything you need for the ride at your fingertips. It also charges quickly—in only 4.5 hours—so you’ll be ready to ride whenever the mood strikes. 

Top speed: 18.6 mph | Range: 59 miles | Weight: 53 pounds | Max load: 308 pounds 

The InMotion L9 blows the competition out of the water when it comes to battery life and range. At 59 miles, this scooter’s range has over 30 miles on any other on this list. But it’s also a great all-around option for commuters because it is water-resistant and has automatic turn signals, so you can stay no matter when you ride. 

While the max speed is not quite as high as other high-performance models, you’ll feel zippy as you’re commuting around town as the twin front shocks and rear spring suspension create a smooth ride. Once you’re finished up, you can access detailed ride information or lock your scooter in the InMotion smartphone app.

Top speed: 15.5 mph | Range: 24.9 miles | Weight: 37.7 pounds | Max load: 265 pounds 

This electric scooter is one of the best electric scooters for commuters because it’s versatile: it performs well in nearly every category. All that to say, although it doesn’t excel in any one area, it also doesn’t skimp on any features. It’s quick, easy to carry, and has a moderate range. The 10-inch tires create a smooth ride, and you’ll power up hills climbs up to a 20% grade. The walk mode is also helpful so you can roll the scooter with you when you’re boarding a train or getting to the office. 

Most electric scooters are built as an environmentally friendly transportation option, but the Segway Ninebot Kickscooter takes it to another level. One of our favorite features is the regenerative braking system, which recharges the battery a little bit every time you hit the brakes.